Fishing for a non-fisherman

Each year for the past four years I have spent a week on a small island in a shack about 15 kms off the coast of Karratha, WA, bonding with some old mates. We have known each other for more than fifty years and it provides us with the opportunity to get together, catch up , reminisce and crap on about old times.

But for everyone,except me, it’s also a time for fishing and boy do my mates love their fishing. Top of the range stuff, expensive rods and reels with a huge array of hooks, lines, sinkers and lures from the weird to the wonderful that have to be seen to be believed. Kept in impressive looking tackle boxes they are treated with the same loving respect usually reserved for a favourite lover. Not that my mates have any lovers except their wives, of course!

Each morning the boxes are brought out and lovingly caressed in preparation before each day’s fishing. Different tackle for different fish. It’s all very methodical, technical and academic. Rations for the day’s outing are prepared and loaded onto the boat. No way that we will ever be hungry or thirsty out on the ocean. We are extremely well provided for.

The shack is on a small island that is part of the Dampier Archipelago. It sits just beyond the shoreline of a cove with a most remarkable vista. Absolutely amazing sunsets. Sitting on the open verandah with a good red in hand, relaxing after a day on the water and a good meal, is absolute bliss and to watch the sun going down is truly a magnificent sight to behold. Picture book. We are blessed on the island. Fully self sustaining. A generator provides all the power required for fridges, freezers, ovens and big screen television with Foxtel. No game of football is ever missed. It is cyclone proof though we are yet to experience any adverse weather on any of our trips. Just a steady 30C during the day and about 25c at night has been the norm.

So what does one do if he is not a fisherman? Primarily my role is that of photographer. Each catch is recorded for posterity and if we are not too far out to sea each snap is immediately emailed to envious colleagues back home. I also hand out the cans and make sure nobody dehydrates, a most important chore on board and one that is really appreciated by my mates. I also keep a shark watch. There are some big ones out there particularly if you are a distance off shore and have a big fish hooked on line. They like to take the easy way out for a feed at times!

Lunch may involve beaching the boat on a remote sandy beach, unloading the esky and if the water is clear of predators , a quick dip but close to shore with a lookout. Maybe an explore of the island. Many of the islands in the archipelago have aboriginal rock art and carvings created probably thousands of years ago. A great privilege to have access to them. A wonderful sight. This world is a paradise.

Back at the shack after a day’s fishing it’s gin and tonic on the deck while the already filleted fish are placed in the freezer or prepared for tea. The nominated chef for the day cooks the meal and we eat overlooking our magnificent vista. It’s a tough life sometimes. A nice red, a reflection on the day’s results then some entertainment with our favourite songs from the 60’s. It is always a fight to see who can get their ipod or phone onto the speaker system first. For some reason I’m usually not in the race, probably because the boys know my ipod is filled with Dylan and they make sure they get in first. Very democratic, first in first served. Great fun singing along with all the old songs though.

So fellow knackers that is what I will be doing next week and I send my apologies for my non attendance at the Footy Almanac function this Friday which I was looking forward to, especially to finally meet many of you. Have a great night and I hope the next function doesn’t clash with anything on my calendar and I can meet you then.

Go Bombers!

Regards,

Colin R

Do you love the Almanac concept?And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help keep things ticking over pleaseconsider making your own contribution.

Related

Comments

Woke up this morning after a broken night’s sleep, my cold getting worse, the coffee machine breaks down – and then I read this! Fishing, wine, fresh fish, an amazing vista – AND A FLAT SCREEN WITH THE FOOTY ON FOXTEL.

Facebook and Twitter

Want to know when new stories are posted?

Enter your email address to subscribe and receive notifications of new posts by email. Note: this is not our eNewsletter sign up. Use the form on the other side to subscribe to our email eNewsletter as well!